speciale
/speˈt͡ʃa.le/
The English word special is translated into Italian as speciale.
speciale is used to describe something of particular interest or value. It can also mean certain, dear, beloved or favored.
Meaning: of particular interest or value, certain, dear, beloved, favored (adj)
Which one should you use?
While speciale often implies something beloved or extraordinary, the word particolare is more frequently used to mean 'specific' or 'particular' in a neutral sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective speciale is invariant in gender, so it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. To make the word plural, use speciali for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /speˈtʃa.le/.
Did you know?
- The word speciale shares the same Latin root as the English word 'species', which originally referred to a particular 'kind' or 'type' of thing.
- In Italian, speciale is the standard term for a 'special' in a restaurant menu, but it is rarely used to describe a 'special' discount or offer, which are called offerte.
- In many Italian contexts, using speciale to describe a person can sound more poetic or romantic than the English 'special', which can sometimes feel casual.
Examples in context
- È speciale per me.You're special to me.This sentence shows how to use speciale to express that someone is special to you.Tatoeba #2822185 by Guybrush88, translation #2821627 by CK
- Lei non è speciale.You're not special.This sentence is an example of using speciale in a negative context to say someone is not special.Tatoeba #2415099 by Guybrush88, translation #2218294 by CK
- Lui non è speciale.He's not special.This sentence is another way to use speciale in a negative context, this time referring to a male.Tatoeba #3213425 by Guybrush88, translation #3213421 by CM
- La cena di stasera è davvero speciale.Tonight's dinner is truly special.
- Quest'anno festeggeremo un'occasione speciale.This year we will celebrate a special occasion.
- Questo museo offre un'esperienza eccezionale.This museum offers an exceptional experience.
- Abbiamo raggiunto un accordo di importanza eccezionale.We have reached an agreement of exceptional importance.
- Sei una persona particolare.You are a special person.
- Oggi voglio fare qualcosa di particolare.Today I want to do something special.
- Ho preparato una sorpresa speciale per te!I've prepared a special surprise for you!
- Oggi è un giorno davvero speciale.Today is a truly special day.
- 274 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are discussing their anniversary plans.
- AlessandroChiara, ho una sorpresa speciale per te.Chiara, I have a special surprise for you.
- ChiaraDavvero? Sei molto dolce, Alessandro.Really? You are very sweet, Alessandro.
- AlessandroVoglio che questa serata sia speciale.I want this evening to be special.
- ChiaraGrazie, non vedo l'ora!Thank you, I can't wait!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “special” translations and entries speciale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries speciale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
